Apparatus for depositing fiber flock in a chute

ABSTRACT

An air stream deflecting means is positioned near the entrance to the depositing chute so as to regulate the depositing of the flock across the width of the chute to obtain a uniform deposit. Sensors are positioned in the chute at various horizontally spaced points in a common plane to sense the height of the accumulated flock in the chute and to activate the deflecting means in accordance with the height variations of the deposited flock so as to obtain a smooth even surface.

United States Patent 1191 Moser et al.

1 Feb. 11, 1975 APPARATUS FOR DEPOSITING FIBER FLOCK IN A CHUTE [75] Inventors: Robert Moser, Winterthur; Paul Staheli, Wilen near W11, both of Switzerland [73] Assignee: Rieter Machine Works, Ltd.,

Winterthur, Switzerland 22 Filed: 066. 29, 1972 211 Appl. No.: 319,869

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Jan. 4, 1972 Switzerland 61/72 [52] US. Cl 302/59, 137/832, 214/17 CA [51] Int. Cl. B65g 53/40 [58] Field of Search 137/825, 832; 214/17 CA, 214/17 CB, 18.2; 302/28, 59-61 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 586,265 7/1897 Beebe et al. 302/61 1,391,744 9/1921 Lower 302/61 1,770,707 7/1930 McDow 302/61 X 2,493,652 1/1950 Bowersox.... 302/60 X 2,772,124 11/1956 Smith 302/61 2,845,661 8/1958 Svende 61111. 302/61 x 3,014,603 12/1961 Taubmann 214/18.2 3,206,044 9/1965 Schwichtenberg 302/60 x 3,415,262 12/1968 Chatman 137/834 3,430,788 3/1969 Edming 3,552,800 1 1971 Truetzschler 302/60 x 3,708,210 1 1972 81111161 et a1. 302/59 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Primary ExaminerEvon C. Blunk Assistant Examiner-W. Scott Carson Attorney, Agent, or FirmKenyon & Kenyon Reilly Carr & Chapin [57] ABSTRACT An air stream deflecting means is positioned near the entrance to the depositing chute so as to regulate the depositing of the flock across the width of the chute to obtain a uniform deposit. Sensors are positioned in the chute at various horizontally spaced points in a common plane to sense the height of the accumulated flock in the chute and to activate the deflecting means in accordance with the height variations of the deposited flock so as to obtain a smooth even surface.

15 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures APPARATUS FOR DEPOSITING FIBER FLOCK IN A CI'IUTE This invention relates to an apparatus for depositing fiber flock in a chute. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for depositing fiber flock in a chute from a flock-laden transporting air stream.

Heretofore, spinning mills have been known to employ pneumatic systems to transport opened fiber flocks from one point to another. For example, it has been known to use an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a fiber-flock-laden transporting air stream flowing through a pneumatic transporting duct into a stationary depositing chute connected to the duct, and preferably provided with a perforated wall, in order to form a fiber flock layer to be fed to a spinning preparation machine. Generally, spinning mills use such devices, particularly for feeding cards and cleaning machines, in order to separate the fiber flocks, which have been opened by mechanical bale openers or pluckers or by blending bale breakers and pneumatically transported to one or a plurality of machines via transporting air stream ducts, from the transporting air stream before the flocks enter a machine. In order to insure the best maintenance of a'constant sliver weight, e.g., of the weight of a sliver delivered by a card, uniformity of the card feed, and thus uniformity of the flock layer fed, as known, are of utmost importance.

However, as shown by experience, it can prove difficult in a direct card feed using a fiber flock layer formed by a depositing chute arranged at the card intake to insure a sufficiently even density of the flock layer by the techniques previously used. This has been due to several reasons, some of which are not yet explicable, partially connected with the arrangement of the processing plant and also with the variable properties of the fiber flocks processed.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to obtain an even density of fiber flock within a fiber flock layer in a chute supplying fiber to a processing machine.

It is another object of the invention to insure a constant sliver weight in the sliver fed to a processing machine.

Briefly, the invention provides an apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a fiber-flock-laden transporting air stream into a depositing chute connected to a pneumatic transporting duct so as to achieve an even distribution of fiber across the width of the chute. The apparatus includes an adjustable de fleeting means between the portion of the chute connected to the transporting duct and a flock deposit position in the chute. This deflecting means is actuated pneumatically and/or mechanically to deflect the transporting air stream in the direction across the width of the chute. As is known, the chute can be provided with means, such as perforations, for draining the air and retaining the deposited fiber flocks.

In one embodiment, where the chute has an upper part or head including a number of entry openings connected to the air transporting duct and a lower body to receive the fiber flocks, the deflecting means is positioned in the head so as to deflect the incoming air stream more or less into one or the other of the entry openings. In order to determine when the air stream is to be deflected, suitable sensing means are positioned in the chute body to sense the characteristics of the deposited fiber column at various points. For example,

where the height of the fiber column is to be sensed as a measure of the density of the fiberlayer, and of the sliver issuing from the chute, the sensing means are located in a common horizontal plane across the width of the chute body. Should the sensing means indicate a variation in the level of the fiber layer across the width of the chute body, suitable signals are emitted to cause the deflecting means to deflect the incoming air stream. This, in turn, causes more fiber flock to be deposited in one portion of the chute body than another so as to fill up that portion at a faster rate and thus compensate for the variations in height of the flock layer in the chute body.

In this embodiment, the deflecting means can utilize secondary air streams to impinge on the primary air stream at an angle, for example, perpendicularly, and cause a deflection of the primary air stream. These secondary air streams can be produced under the influence of a pressure differential between the interior of the transporting duct and a source of secondary air outside the duct. Alternatively, the secondary air streams can be produced by compressed air systems.

Alternatively, a mechanical deflecting means can be used. In this case, one or more pivotal guide blades can be used in the chute so as to partially deflect the air stream away from the portions of the chute below the blades.

In another embodiment, the deflecting means can be in the form of adjustable suction means which serve to generate a pneumatic force sufficient to create the transporting air stream. By adjusting each suction means relative to each other, the distribution of the transporting air stream into the chute can be effected.

In the various embodiments, the deflecting means can be actuated automatically or manually in response to the signals emitted by the sensing means over suitable actuating means.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of a chute, with a front wall removed, utilizing an apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the structure of FIG.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the operation of an apparatus according to the invention.

In all examples illustrated, the apparatus of the invention is shown to be mounted on a flock depositing chute l at the intake side of, e.g., a card (not shown). The flock depositing chute l substantially consists of a chute body la the construction of which is known as such, e.g., with a slotted wall, forming an air discharge and of an upper chute part or head 1b defining an entrar e fljhis lgad 1 b is connected via a connecting piece 2 to a pneumatic transporting duct (not shown).

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the upper chute part lb can be detached from the chute body la and is provided with two entry openings 3, 3'. Each opening 3, 3' is equipped with a centrifugal rotor 4, 4' such as a suction fan, for generating a fiber-flock-laden transporting air stream. The two entry openings 3, 3 in the upper chute part 1b are connected to a pneumatic transporting duct via a substantially fork-shaped two-pronged connecting piece 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, an adjustable deflecting means is positioned at suitable locations between the connecting piece 2 and the position of flock deposit in the chute body 14 in order to deflect the transporting air stream more towards one or the other of the entry openings 3, 3' as needed for uniformly distributing the fiber flocks deposited across the full width B of the chute. These adjustable deflecting means act pneumatically on the flock-laden transporting air stream within a deflecting plane e in the direction of the chute width B, and are disposed, for example, in the connecting piece 2 itself. Each deflecting means includes a passage opening 5 in one, or preferably on both sides of the connecting piece 2 as well as an adjustable sealing element 6 for each opening. In order to adjust the sealing elements 6, suitable activating mechanisms are provided, e.g., automatic adjusting elements 7 or a combination of alternatively automatically or manually activated adjusting elements 7 and 8.

The pneumatic deflection action on the transporting air stream is effected by a secondary air stream entering via a passage opening 5 under the influence of the higher pressure of the surrounding room if one of the two sealing elements 6 is opened. The secondary air stream comprises a transversal component t, i.e., a component acting at an angle on the transporting air stream and serves to deflect the direction of flow of the air stream.

Referring to FIG. 4, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts as above, the chute need have no centrifugal rotors, or at least no rotors acting as suction fans, in the upper chute part lb. Chutes of this type, in most cases, are connected in groups to a common pneumatic transporting duct in which the pressure is above atmospheric pressure. In order to create a secondary air stream with a component t acting at an angle to the transporting air stream, the intake of the secondary air is insured in a different manner from above, e.g., from a system of compressed air. As shown, the compressed air system includes a compressed air line 9 on each side of the connecting piece 10 to deliver compressed air from a suitable source and which connects into the passage thereat. Each sealing means 6 serves to selectively close off a passage 5 to the flow of compressed air as shown on the right and to open a pas sage 5 to the flow of compressed air as shown on the left as viewed. Also, if no centrifugal rotors are provided in the upper chute part 1b one single entry opening 3 instead of two as shown in FIG. 1, can be used. In this case, the entry opening 3 extends over the entire chute width so that instead of using a fork-shaped connecting piece, a connecting piece 10 of funnel shape (as shown in FIG. 4) is provided.

In a further alternative construction, derived from the construction described first with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 with two centrifugal rotors, instead of, or in addition to, a pneumatically acting deflecting means as shown in FIG. 3, mechanically acting adjustable means for the transporting air stream can also be provided at suitable locations. As an example of such deflecting means, reference is made to FIG. 1 wherein a movable, e.g., pivotable, guide blade 12 is located in the upper chute part 1b, according to the direction of rotation of the centrifugal rotors 4, 4 between the rotors 4, 4' or one each at the two chute side walls. In order to adjust the guide blade 12, automatically as well as manually, adjustment elements 7, 8 of similar or identical construction as above are provided.

In order to carry out a manual adjustment of the defleeting means, e.g., adjusting screws with handwheels and/or with adjusting spindles with motors activated manually by switches, can be provided. Manually activated adjusting means for the deflecting means are especially useful for sporadically adjusting flock deposition.

Referring again to FIG. 2, where two centrifugal rotors 4, 4 such as suction fans are used, each can be provided with an individually controlled drive motor 17, 17. In this case, the deflecting means can alternatively be incorporated in the drive motors l7, 17. To this end, the rotational speed of either of the two controlled drive motors 17, 17' is varied so that the transporting air stream is directed more towards the right or left side of the chute owing to the differing suction or blowing forces. In order to adjust the rotational speed of the centrifugal rotors, a speed variator (not shown) is provided. In this arrangement, the transporting air stream can also be controlled or guided as above.

In order to achieve an automatic adjustment of the pneumatically as well as of the mechanically acting deflecting means for the transporting air stream, various sensing means are provided. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least two detectors 13, 14 for sensing the height h of the flock column deposited in the chute body la are arranged in the large side walls of the chute body In at suitable vertical distances from the fiber flock entry as well as from the fiber flock outlet, both at the same height h and at a suitable horizontal distance d. Each detector 13, 14 is in the form of an optical barrier, particularly a light beam barrier with an optical emitter 13a, 14a and receiver element 13b, 14b, respectively. Other elements of suitable type, e.g., ultrasonic detectors, can also be used. In order to automatically adjust the deflecting means 5, 6 (FIG. 2) and 12 (FIG. 1), these deflecting means are suitably connected with the detectors 13, 14 according to their type, as shown, e.g., in FIG. 5 wherein the arrangement of the individual components approximately correspond to the one shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the optical detectors 13, 14, electrically or electronically controlled, are connected via pneumatically or hydraulically activating adjusting elements 7 to the deflecting means. That is, the emitter 13a and receiver element 13b of the left-hand detector, as viewed, are connected over an electrical line to one drive motor 17 as well as to the adjusting element 7 for the guide blade 12. The emitter 14a and receiver element 14b of the right-hand detector are connected to the right-hand drive motor 17, the right-hand adjusting element 7 for the pneumatic adjusting means and to the adjusting element 7 for the guide blade 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, both suction fans 4, 4' can alternatively be driven off the same drive motor 17 transmission which includes a speed variator 18 to control the rotational speed of the fans 4, 4' relative to each other. Such a speed variator 18 can be connected to a sensing means, as above, so as to be controlled thereby to effect a speed-up or slow-down of one fan relative to the other.

In operation, referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, with two detectors 13, 14 arranged at a height h, on the chute body 1a and connected each with one of the adjustable deflecting means, or with their adjusting elements 7, respectively, should the detector 14 be blacked out first, e.g., if the depositing increases faster in the righthand region of the chute so that the fiber flocks column deviates from the uniform height, an adjusting element 7 of the deflecting means is activated. The adjusting element 7 activated can be the one for the pneumatic deflecting means as shown at the right-hand upper portion of the connecting piece 2 in FIG. 3 or, as shown, at the right-hand side of the connecting piece in FIG. 4. This adjusting element 7 then activates opening of the sealing element 6 and thus permits entry of the secondary air stream for deflecting the transporting air stream towards the left-hand region of the chute. Alternatively, where the detectors 13, 14 are connected only with the adjusting element 7 of the guide blade 12 instead of with the adjusting elements arranged on the connecting pieces 2, 10, if the detector 14 is activated, the guide blade 12 is pivoted in a direction so that the transporting air stream is deflected towards the lefthand side. Thus, flock deposition in the right hand region of the chute becomes practically stopped until the depositing height h in the left-hand region of the chute also has reached the height h,. As this level is reached, both detectors 13, 14 become activated. This causes a stop of the fiber flock supply from the machine supplying flocks in a manner known as such.

Manually operated adjusting means for the deflecting means can be provided in combination with the automatically activated adjusting means for the deflecting means for occasional calibration or, especially in smaller or simpler plants, also solely for regularly evening out the flock deposition in the chute.

The main advantage of the present invention is that influences, presently still unpredictable or still not known exactly, which cause uneven deposition of fiber flocks in the chute, can be eliminated or, respectively, automatically evened out so that a uniform density of the flock layer and, if a card is fed, of the card sliver is insured.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a fiber-flock-laden transporting air stream into a stationary depositing chute connected to a stationary pneumatic transporting duct, said chute having an entrance at one end and means for draining air therefrom below said entrance and retaining a fiber flock column therein characterized in having an adjustable deflecting means for deflecting the fiber-flock-laden transporting air stream in a direction across the width of said chute, said deflecting means being located between a portion of said chute connected to said duct and a flock deposit position in said chute, and at least two sensing means in said chute for sensing the height of a flock column in said chute, said sensing means being disposed at the same height relative to said chute and in spaced relation to each other, each said sensing means being connected to said deflecting means to individually activate said deflecting means in response to the detection of a portion of the flock column'at said height.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said deflecting means is pneumatically actuated in response to a deviation of the fiber flocks column from a uniform height level.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 which is further characterized in that said portion of said chute is a connecting piece and in that at least one passage opening is provided in said connecting piece on at least one side thereof for passage of a secondary air stream therethrough into said chute at an angle to the transporting air stream to deflect the transporting air stream in a direction across the width of said chute and in that a sealing element is provided in said opening to selectively seal said opening to said duct.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further characterized in that said deflecting means includes two centrifugal fan rotors in said chute for drawing the transporting air stream into said chute and a pair of controllable drive motors, each motor being connected to a respective rotor to vary the rotational speed of said respective l'OtOl'.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further characterized in that said deflecting means includes two centrifugal fan rotors in said chute for drawing the transporting air stream into said chute and at least one speed variator connected to at least one of said rotors.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further characterized in having at least one guide blade movably mounted in an upper part of said chute for movement across the width of said chute to deflect the transporting air stream across the width of said chute and an adjusting element connected to said blade to move said blade across said chute.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said deflecting means is mechanically actuated.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said deflecting means is manually actuated.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said sensing means is an optical barrier.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein each sensing means is an ultrasonic barrier.

11. In combination,

a vertical stationary rectangular chute for receiving fiber flocks to be deposited in a column at an entrance end;

a stationary duct for delivering a fiber-flock-laden transporting air stream to said chute;

an air discharge in at least one wall of saidchute below said entrance;

means for deflecting the transporting air stream in a direction across the width of said chute; and

two sensing means in said chute for sensing the height of a flock column in said chute, said sensing means being disposed at the same height relative to said chute and in spaced relation to each other, each said sensing means being connected to said deflecting means to individually activate said deflecting means in response to the detection of a portion of the flock column at said height.

12. The combination as set forth in claim 11 wherein said means includes at least one passage opening in at le as t one side of said chute for passage of a seconda?y air stream therethrough onto said transporting air stream at an angle and means for selectively sealing said passage to said secondary air stream.

13. The combination as set forth in claim 11 wherein said deflecting means includes at least one compressed air line on at least one side of said chute for passing a secondary air stream into said transporting air stream at an angle thereto.

14. The combination as set forth in claim 11 wherein said deflecting means includes at least one movably mounted guide blade in said chute.

15. The combination as set forth in claim 11 wherein said deflecting means includes a pair of suction fans in said chute for drawing in said transporting air stream, and means for rotating said fans at variable rates relative to each other. 

1. Apparatus for separating opened fiber flocks from a fiberflock-laden transporting air stream into a stationary depositing chute connected to a stationary pneumatic transporting duct, said chute having an entrance at one end and means for draining air therefrom below said entrance and retaining a fiber flock column therein characterized in having an adjustable deflecting means for deflecting the fiber-flock-laden transporting air stream in a direction across the width of said chute, said deflecting means being located between a portion of said chute connected to said duct and a flock deposit position in said chute, and at least two sensing means in said chute for sensing the height of a flock column in said chute, said sensing means being disposed at the same height relative to said chute and in spaced relation to each other, each said sensing means being connected to said deflecting means to individually activate said deflecting means in response to the detection of a portion of the flock column at said height.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said deflecting means is pneumatically actuated in response to a deviation of the fiber flocks column from a uniform height level.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 which is further characterized in that said portion of said chute is a connecting piece and in that at least one passage opening is provided in said connecting piece on at least one side thereof for passage of a secondary air stream therethrough into said chute at an angle to the transporting air stream to deflect the transporting air stream in a direction across the width of said chute and in that a sealing element is provided in said opening to selectively seal said opening to said duct.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further characterized in that said deflecting means includes two centrifugal fan rotors in said chute for drawing the transporting air stream into said chute and a pair of controllable drive motors, each motor being connected to a respective rotor to vary the rotational speed of said respective rotor.
 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further characterized in that said deflecting means includes two centrifugal fan rotors in said chute for drawing the transporting air stream into said chute and at least oNe speed variator connected to at least one of said rotors.
 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further characterized in having at least one guide blade movably mounted in an upper part of said chute for movement across the width of said chute to deflect the transporting air stream across the width of said chute and an adjusting element connected to said blade to move said blade across said chute.
 7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said deflecting means is mechanically actuated.
 8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said deflecting means is manually actuated.
 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said sensing means is an optical barrier.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein each sensing means is an ultrasonic barrier.
 11. In combination, a vertical stationary rectangular chute for receiving fiber flocks to be deposited in a column at an entrance end; a stationary duct for delivering a fiber-flock-laden transporting air stream to said chute; an air discharge in at least one wall of said chute below said entrance; means for deflecting the transporting air stream in a direction across the width of said chute; and two sensing means in said chute for sensing the height of a flock column in said chute, said sensing means being disposed at the same height relative to said chute and in spaced relation to each other, each said sensing means being connected to said deflecting means to individually activate said deflecting means in response to the detection of a portion of the flock column at said height.
 12. The combination as set forth in claim 11 wherein said means means includes at least one passage opening in at least one side of said chute for passage of a secondary air stream therethrough onto said transporting air stream at an angle and means for selectively sealing said passage to said secondary air stream.
 13. The combination as set forth in claim 11 wherein said deflecting means includes at least one compressed air line on at least one side of said chute for passing a secondary air stream into said transporting air stream at an angle thereto.
 14. The combination as set forth in claim 11 wherein said deflecting means includes at least one movably mounted guide blade in said chute.
 15. The combination as set forth in claim 11 wherein said deflecting means includes a pair of suction fans in said chute for drawing in said transporting air stream, and means for rotating said fans at variable rates relative to each other. 